The Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys opened their training camps before other teams because they're participating in next Thursday's Hall of Fame Game that kicks off the preseason.
One familiar face has been missing from Pittsburgh's practice sessions.
According to Brooke Pryor of ESPN, two-time All-Pro pass-rusher T.J. Watt hasn't participated in a single practice throughout training camp. When asked, head coach Mike Tomlin offered no information about Watt's condition:
TJ Watt hasn’t participated in a practice since the Steelers opened training camp a week ago.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) July 29, 2021
Asked Mike Tomlin when he anticipated Watt joining, and he said he’s “day to day.” I followed up asking if Watt was injured and Tomlin said he doesn’t have to discuss injuries right now
Whatever is going on, Watt is seemingly annoyed about the situation:
Watt has been mostly working off to the side with Stephon Tuitt, who Tomlin also said is “day-to-day.” The pair have been running sprints and figure-8s in the end zone during team drills.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) July 29, 2021
When we talked to Watt last week he seemed frustrated he hasn’t been able to practice yet. https://t.co/ItW7m0g1Zq
Watt likely wouldn't have played much, if at all, against the Cowboys on Aug. 5, but it's nevertheless interesting that the 26-year-old who has accumulated 49.5 career regular-season sacks since entering the NFL via the 2017 draft doesn't appear to be all that close to taking the field when Pittsburgh faces the Philadelphia Eagles on Aug. 12.
According to Joe Rutter of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, there's no timetable for when Watt may make his practice debut this summer.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!